More from SI

San Francisco 49ers pick up fifth-year option on Aldon Smith

Aldon Smith is now locked up through the 2015 season. (Tony Medina/Icon SMI)

After Aldon Smith was arrested in the Los Angeles International Airport last month, there were plenty of questions about what the future would hold for the San Francisco 49ers' linebacker. Many speculated that he could be cut, but on Friday the 49ers made their decision.

After picking up the fifth-year option, Smith will have a $9.75 million base salary for the 2015 season. The team had until May 3 to make an official decision and they took things down to the wire.

Despite his legal issues, Smith is an incredibly talented pass rusher and he brings a great dynamic to the team's defensive unit.

There is a chance that he will be suspended at the start of the season for violating the league's player conduct policy, but the 49ers have made it clear that he is still a part of their future plans.

Before his option was picked up there was some speculation that the 49ers could target a pass rusher in the first round of the 2014 NFL draft, but now wide receiver and defensive back appear to be the most likely options.